In brief
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the 12th Harissa Festival opened in Nabeul on October 31, 2026, highlighting chili pepper cultivation, women’s role in harissa production and innovative uses such as harissa‑infused pizza. UNESCO’s 2022 inscription of Tunisian harissa on its intangible cultural heritage list was noted, and the event aimed to blend tradition with modern culinary exploration.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced that the 12th Harissa Festival opened in the city of Nabeul on 31 October 2026. The festival showcased traditional chili pepper cultivation and the steps of making harissa, a spicy paste that is a staple of Tunisian cuisine.
Visitors were invited to see how farmers grow the peppers, learn the classic preparation methods, taste local dishes, and browse items like chili products, spices and pottery. The displays allowed people to understand how harissa is made from each step in the city’s long‑standing practice.
Nabeul’s harissa comes in several varieties, including the versions known locally as arabi, mdashdasha and mfawra. These names reflect the region’s heritage and the different spice blends used in the paste.
Highlights of the Festival
In 2022, UNESCO inscribed the knowledge, skills and culinary practices associated with Tunisian harissa on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival highlighted the economic importance of the spice and the pivotal role of women farmers and artisans who preserve and modernize harissa making.
The 12th edition also introduced new uses for harissa. Italian pizza makers presented recipes for pizzas that feature harissa, and conferences discussed native Nabeul chili pepper seeds and potential scientific uses.
The events aimed to keep the culinary tradition alive while encouraging innovative ways to use the popular condiment. Attendees saw that preserving the craft and exploring new flavors can go hand in hand, and the festival underscored Tunisia’s ongoing cultural pride and culinary creativity.
